Back rower Adam Balding has decided to join Newcastle Falcons and remain in the Guinness Premiership next season instead of extendng his stay at Headingley Carnegie.
Balding was out of contract with Gloucester at the end of the season and had been impressed with the set up at Leeds Carnegie during his time on loan at the club last season. However, the 28-year-old has decided to move to the North East to try and rebuild his career after an injury ravaged couple of seasons.
Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, "We made Adam a very good offer to remain at Leeds Carnegie however, we understand at his stage of his career, that he wants to remain in the Guinness Premiership and we wish him well at the Falcons.
"We are still looking to add to our squad for next season but obviously our first priority was to sign our new coaching team of Andy Key and Neil Back. With Andy and Neil now in place they can go into the market to strengthen the squad in the ways they see fit."